Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Children banned from playing tag in school playgroundIn an age when childhood innocence is under threat from every direction, the traditional game of tag would seem an unlikely offender. But headmistress Susan Tuck doesn't think so. She has banned it – along with all other games which involve physical contact – as "inappropriate behaviour". Youngsters aged five to 11 at Bracebridge Heath Primary School near Lincoln have been told there will be no kiss-chase, and even linking arms with each other will not be allowed. The only time any of the 400 pupils can touch each other is if they need to help a classmate who has fallen over. The school's move is the latest in a series of instances across Britain where traditional games have been deemed dangerous. Conkers and even football are among those which have paid the price of caution.